Northville Public Schools issued the following announcement on Aug. 26.
On Tuesday, August 24, 2021, the Northville Public Schools Board of Education approved a modified 2021-22 COVID-19 Mitigation Plan, voting in favor of Universal Indoor Masking for students, staff, and visitors when community transmission of COVID-19 is at the moderate, substantial and/or high transmission level as defined by CDC metrics, with consideration given to our local community data along with county data. If our community moves into low transmission that is sustained for a period of time (i.e. 7-14 days), masks would be strongly recommended, but not required. The combined City of Northville/Northville Twp community transmission (seven- day average cases per 100,000 population) is currently in HIGH transmission, consistent with levels of transmission in both Wayne and Oakland Counties, after a sustained period of time in substantial transmission. The universal masking expectation will go into effect beginning on August 26, 2021.
2021-22 Northville Public Schools COVID-19 Mitigation Plan
Additionally, the Oakland County Health Division issued an Emergency Order (2020-01) for Control of Pandemic, on the evening of August 24, 2021, that applies to Educational Institutions across Oakland County, including child care centers and elementary, middle, high schools and vocational schools. The order mandates that schools ensure that students in pre-kindergarten through grade twelve consistently and properly wear a facial covering while inside any enclosed building or structure of the institution. The order likewise applies to any persons, regardless of vaccination status, serving students (students, teachers, administrative staff, attendees, volunteers.) The board-approved NPS COVID-19 Mitigation Plan is in alignment with this Health Order for periods of substantial and high transmission. For your awareness, our schools located in Oakland County (Amerman Elementary, Cooke School, Hillside Middle School and Thornton Creek Elementary) ARE subject to the Oakland County Emergency Order.
The Board of Education’s decision was made following a thoughtful review of the health and safety recommendations for schools issued by the CDC and MDHHS, review of available data, impact of quarantines on student attendance, and consideration of a volume of stakeholder input that was submitted in writing, and via public comment at Board of Education and Committee meetings taking place in July and August 2021. A key priority identified by the Board of Education was to maximize in-person learning opportunities for all students.
Please note that neither the NPS 2021-22 COVID-19 Mitigation Plan, or the Oakland County Emergency Order imposes gathering limits, or negates opportunities for back-to-school events (i.e. transition days, open houses) that we consider an essential part of community-building and transitioning students and families into the 2021-22 school year. There will be safety protocols put in place, including requiring those who plan to attend to utilize the symptom screener, wear a mask, and observe physical distancing to the extent possible, along with the possibility of adjusting schedules or locations to maximize safety. Your child’s school will communicate specific information about these events, along with the procedures in place.
Thank you for your partnership as we work together with our students, staff, families and community to promote the learning, safety, health and well-being of all.
Original source can be found here.
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